Local man accused of targeting single mothers so he can prey on their kids

by Walt Maciborski

Tomas Gutierrez is 35 years old and is wanted for continuous sexual abuse of a child. The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force says he's a sexual predator who targets single mothers. (Photo courtesy: Lone Star Fugitive Task Force)

The U.S. Marshals say they're trying to track down an alleged sexual predator in Central Texas before he finds his next victim.

"We're looking for Tomas Gutierrez," Supervisory Deputy Marshal Hector Gomez. "He also goes by the name of Tomas Hernandez."

Gomez says Tomas Gutierrez is 35 years old and is wanted for continuous sexual abuse of a child. The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force says he's a sexual predator who targets single mothers.

"He's an opportunist," Gomez said. "He appears to seek out women who have children. Young children."

Gomez says he slowly builds trust with the victim.

"He would buy her toys and buy her items of value," Gomez said.

The arrest warrant says, "Tomas Gutierrez gave her a cell phone to use and told her to go into the bedroom."

Gomez says that's when the abuse started.

"When the victim's mother was away from the home working is when Tomas Gutierrez began his criminal conduct," Gomez said.

So far finding Gutierrez has been difficult. Investigators say he does various trade jobs in Austin and he has his name tattooed on his left arm. But so far he's been a ghost to law enforcement.

"He has been able to live here in virtual anonymity," Gomez said. "He doesn't have a criminal history. He has lived in this country illegally. We don't know when he came in. He doesn't have so much as a traffic ticket."

Gutierrez has family in Austin the area and may be in and out of Central Texas on a regular basis.

"Any child that Gutierrez comes into contact is a potential victim," Gomez said. "We've got to put a stop to people like Tomas Gutierrez."

If you have any information on Tomas Gutierrez, you are asked to call the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force Tip Line at 512-800-4213.